Make: Colt

Model: New Service Model of 1917 US Army

Serial Number: Government Serial Number: 100026, Factory Serial Number: 239505

Year of Manufacture: 1919

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 5 1/2"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall Patridge style blade. The rear sight is a "U"-notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels. The grips have scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few small chips around the edges. The wood is generally shy to the metal and appears to have been refinished. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The crown appears to have been re-cut. The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 8/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered light wear with more notable handling wear in the grip areas. Most worn areas have gone to a light patina. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation and there is oxidation on the frame under the grips. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: With America's entry into WWI, it was found that Colt could not produce enough Model 1911 pistols for the U.S. Army. Some .38 revolvers were distributed to rear echelon troops, guard, and the Navy, but the Army also wanted some commercial revolver production to be used for a revolver capable of using the same ammunition as the 1911 semi-auto. Both Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector and Colt New Service revolvers chambered for .45 ACP were approved as substitute standard and designated the Model 1917. Colt’s M1917 was built on the same large frame as the Colt New Service revolver, making for a very rugged service revolver. There were many still in inventory when the United States entered WWII and, for much the same reasons, they were once again pulled from inventory and issued out as a substitute standard. Most of those which were issued during WWII were arsenal refurbished and given a parkerized finish.

This example has retained its original blue finish and is a good example of a WWI-era Model 1917. The revolver shows wear consistent with its age, retaining a strong bore and great mechanics. It would make a nice addition to a U.S. Military sidearm collection and should still make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!